Congo Ebola Response Grounded by Worker Protests
Dozens of health workers in eastern Congo have staged protests this week to call for the government to pay salaries and allowances that they say are nearly three months overdue, as security incidents continue to hamper efforts to contain the outbreak.
The protests took place outside Ebola treatment centres in Bunia, Rwampara, and Mongbwalu, all in Ituri province, on Sunday and Monday. Health workers gathered to call for immediate payment of the salaries and allowances, protesters said.
Worker Protests Disrupt Ebola Efforts
The protests have disrupted Ebola response efforts, which are already being hampered by security incidents and persistent community mistrust. A group of young men in Niania, also in Ituri province, briefly blocked a U.N. World Food Programme helicopter from landing on Tuesday and threw projectiles at an Ebola treatment centre, prompting police to fire warning shots.
Local civil society leader Samuel Banapia confirmed the incident, saying that the protesters were angry about the delay in payment. "The situation is chaotic, and the response effort is suffering as a result," Banapia said.
Community Mistrust and Security Incidents
Ebola response efforts have also been disrupted by community mistrust and security incidents. Rumours on social media that health authorities planned to impose a curfew sparked protests in Butembo on Monday, according to Katwa health zone chief Jean Mukoko.
An ambulance sent to evacuate a suspected Ebola case was vandalised in Beni on Saturday, a local health official said. The outbreak has infected 3,802 people and killed 1,707 since it was declared on May 15, according to the latest government data released on Monday.
Government Response Lacking
The Congolese government has not publicly responded to the health workers' demands for payment. The communications ministry did not respond to a request for comment. The health workers have written a letter to President Felix Tshisekedi, calling for immediate payment of their salaries and allowances.
The situation is a major concern, as the Ebola outbreak continues to spread. The lack of payment has created an "unjust situation that seriously jeopardises the continuation of the response effort," the health workers said in their letter.
Source: Joy Online
